2004 annual Southworks Festival brings fun to town in late spring

Music, art and food

Posted: Wednesday, May 26, 2004

By Carly FarrellCorrespondent

What possibly could women and men made from shells and bamboo by Barbara Odil, blossoming plants carved from wood and painted in oils by Gene Wilkinson, silk floral paintings by Margaret Agner, music by The Men In Black Trio or by Tropical Breeze have in common?

They're all part of the Oconee Cultural Art Foundation's annual Southworks Festival, of course.

These artists and entertainers, along with many other artists, will gather in downtown Watkinsville from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday to participate in this big art festival.

Southworks has been an annual event in downtown Watkinsville since 1995. Planning for this one began last September, beginning with a log competition for the festival.

''A high school senior designed the T-shirt this year,'' said Marissa McAleer, executive director of OCAF. ''Signers from all over submitted their art work, and how cool is it that Sara McClain designed it?'' McAleer asked.

Special

''Three Vases'' by Kelly Stevens of Athens is among paintings at the art exhibit.

McClain is a member of the Oconee County High School class of 2004.

Upon deciding on the logo for the T-shirts, McAleer's job got a little more complicated. She had to decide how the artists would be chosen for the contest, which involves a long application process. The tough decision went to Dr. Dianne Lesko from the Telefair Museum in Savannah, who made the final decision on the artists who would participate in the juried art exhibit.

Moreover, McAleer coordinated putting together the entertainment for the two-day festival.

''It's been a fun process,'' McAller commented. ''OCAF's mission is to promote the arts and artists and art education in the North East Georgia region. Southworks is supporting arts, artists and education, which will be demonstrated (at Southworks). Southworks fulfills this mission.''

This year, there is an estimated 50 to 75 booths from a jury will choose winning booths.

Special

This doll by Barbara Odil is available to see by those attending this weekends festival.

The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $250, the second-place winner will be given $200 and the third-place winner will receive $150. Each of the top three winners will receive medallions and gold ribbons.

''There's a lot of familiar faces and there are a lot of new faces. It's a nice mix of new and old,'' McAller said.

Along with displaying their work to the public, artists will be selling their work.